By RYAN FELDMAN
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Portsmouth Invitational Tournament got underway on Wednesday and runs through Saturday. The PIT is an annual NBA Draft camp for 64 of the top seniors in college basketball. Each player plays a total of three games in four days. Thus far, everyone has played at least one game. Here’s a breakdown of how each Big East player has looked thus far.
Casey Mitchell, West Virginia: Mitchell caught fire and scored 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field and 3-of-5 from 3-point range on Wednesday. He didn’t contribute in any way other than scoring, but he really shot the ball well.
Brad Wanamaker, Pittsburgh: Wanamaker (pictured courtesy Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) played primarily off the ball and quietly put together two solid outings. He had nine points and 11 rebounds in his first game and then 14 points and five rebounds in his second game.
Jimmy Butler, Marquette: Butler did a little of everything. He scored in the post, handled the ball, drove to the basket and knocked down some jumpers. He scored 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting on Wednesday.
Rick Jackson, Syracuse: Jackson played hard in the paint but couldn’t make a shot outside of point blank range. He totaled 13 points and five rebounds on Wednesday.
Gary McGhee, Pittsburgh: McGhee did a real nice job scoring down low and grabbing boards. He had a solid all-around effort with 13 points and eight rebounds in 19 minutes. He certainly looks like one of the best, if not the best, big men at Portsmouth.
Corey Fisher, Villanova: Fisher played vintage Corey Fisher basketball. He penetrated into the lane, found open teammates, and knocked down jumpers. He finished with eight points, 10 assists and three turnovers.
Corey Stokes, Villanova: Stokes really struggled shooting the ball. He tried to force too many shots. He was 3-for-17 from the field for nine points but he did contribute six assists and only one turnover.
Dwight Hardy, St. John’s: Hardy was quiet for much of the game but then got it going in the second half. He shot 5-of-15 from the field for 15 points. He also added four assists and just one turnover.
Gilbert Brown, Pittsburgh: Brown showed off his athleticism with some sensational dunks and alley-oops. He stood out as one of the most talented players at Portsmouth. He had 19 points and four rebounds in his first game on Thursday.
